PANAMA

Panama is officially known as the Republic of
Panama. The country joins North and South America, but many people
are surprised to find that the country runs east / west. Costa Rica
forms its border to the west and Colombia to the east. Panama
became part of Gran Colombia in the early 1800s and then succeeded in 1902
when it allowed the United States to build the Panama Canal. Today
the canal is one of its main sources of revenue. Panama has a population of just over 3 million. Panama City is the capital and largest city.
Spanish is the official
language.

Visas:

A tourist visa is not required for most nationalities provided that you
are staying less than 6 months. Proof of exiting travel arrangements
may also be required at your point of entry. The Embassy
of Panama in Canada has summaries of visa requirements or check your specific country at
VisaHQ.
For a list of exempt countries, visit Project
Visa.

Currency:

The official currency of Panama is the Balboa. The
exchange rate is set exactly equal to the US dollar. The US dollar
is commonly used throughout the country and change is often given in US
dollars even if payment is originally made in Balboas. Major credit cards
are widely accepted.

Climate:

The dry season in Panama is December to April. This is also the summer
vacation period for locals and the time of year when schools are not in
session. In the Green Season, from May to
November, there are daily rainfalls. Rainfall can exceed 16 feet per
year in some locations in Panama. The prevailing winds flow to the west and north into the Caribbean,
so Panama is not subject to hurricanes. The country never goes on Dailylight
Savings Time and because it is near the equator, the days are always 12
hours long. The equatorial location means that temperatures do not
vary throughout the year. Expect average highs of around 95 F (34 C)
and average lows of 70 F (20 C) in any month.